Hospitals across the United States are warning that the recent $100,000 H-1B visa fee increase could worsen the country’s nurse shortage.
Many hospitals depend on foreign medical professionals to fill staffing gaps, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Healthcare leaders said the new fee, imposed under the Trump administration’s immigration reforms, places a heavy financial burden on hospitals already operating on limited budgets.
They warned it could discourage recruitment of international healthcare workers and threaten patient care.
The American Hospital Association and other industry groups are urging the government to review the policy, saying it could lead to longer patient wait times and increased burnout among existing staff.
Hospitals continue to seek ways to maintain adequate staffing while appealing for immigration policies that support the nation’s healthcare needs.